2-oxothiatole compounds having activity as cpla2 inhibitors for the treatment of inflammatory disorders and hyperproliferative disorders

ABSTRACT

A compound of formula (I′) wherein R 6  is H, C 1-6 alkyl, —(CH 2 ) p COOH, —(CH 2 ) p COOC 1-6 alkyl, —(CH 2 ) p CONH 2 , —(CH 2 ) p CONHC 1-6 alkyl, —(CH 2 ) p CON(C 1-6 alkyl) 2 , R 7  is as defined for R 6 ; or and R 7  taken together with the atoms joining them can form a  6 -membered aromatic or non aromatic, saturated or unsaturated, carbocyclic or heteroatom containing (e.g. O, N or S containing) ring optionally substituted by up to 4 groups R 8 ; each R 8  is defined as for R 6  or is oxo; R 10  is C 1-6  alkyl Ar is a C 6-14  aryl group, wherein the aryl group may be optionally substituted (preferably in the meta or para position relative to O) with one or more R 9  groups; each R 9  is halo, OH, CN, nitro, NH 2 , NHC 1-6 alkyl, N(C 1-6 alkyl) 2 , haloC 1-6 alkyl, C 6-10 aryl group, C 7-12 arylalkyl, a C 1-10 alkyl group, C 2-10 -mono or multiply unsaturated alkenyl group, OC 1-10 alkyl group, SC 1-10 alkyl group —OC 1-10 alkyl-O-C 10 alkyl , —C 1-10 alkykyl-O-C 1-10 alkyl, —OC 2-10 -mono or multiply unsaturated alkenyl group, OAr 2 , O(CH 2 ) q Ar 2 , SAr 2  or S(CH 2 ) q Ar 2 ; wherein Ar 2 is phenyl, optionally substituted with one or more of halo, trihalomethyl, C 1-10 -alkoxy, or C 1-10  alkyl; each q is 1 to 3, preferably 1; each p is 0 to 3; or a salt, ester, solvate, N-oxide, of prodrug thereof.

The invention relates to certain new 2-oxothiazole compounds and topharmaceutical compositions comprising said compounds. This inventionalso relates to the use of various 2-oxothiazole compounds for use inthe prevention, treatment or alleviation of symptoms of chronicinflammatory disorders such as glomerulonephritis, rheumatoid arthritisand psoriasis as well as chronic inflammatory disorders associated witha diabetic condition in a patient, particularly, diabetes mellitus, suchas diabetic nephropathy and diabetic retinopathy. In another embodiment,this invention relates to the use of various 2-oxothiazole compounds foruse in the prevention or treatment of hyperproliferative disorders suchas cancer.

BACKGROUND

Mammalian cells contain a large number of phospholipases that hydrolysephospholipids in a structurally specific manner for production of amyriad of products, many of which have potent biological activity. Therehas been considerable interest in characterising these enzymes becauseof their role in production of lipid mediators of inflammation. Sincethe first studies 20 years ago showing that mammalian cells contain acystolic calcium dependent phospholipase A2 (cPLA2) specific forarachidonic acid, an extensive amount of evidence has substantiated aprimary role for cPLA₂ as the key enzyme that mediates the release ofarachidonic acid for the production of eicosanoids.

The enzyme cPLA₂ contributes to the pathogenesis of a variety ofdiseases particularly those in which inflammation plays a primary roleimplicating a role for inflammatory lipid mediators in diseasepathogenesis. The inhibition therefore of such lipase enzymes offers apotential therapy for inflammatory conditions in particular chronicinflammatory conditions such as those above, psoriasis andglomerulonephritis.

The phospholipase A2s are a group of enzymes that release unsaturatedfatty acids from the sn2 position of membrane phospholipids. Oncereleased, the fatty acids are converted by various enzymes intobiologically very important signalling molecules. Release ofarachidonate initiates the arachidonate cascade leading to the synthesisof eicosanoids such as prostaglandins.

Eicosanoids are important in a variety of physiological processes andplay a central role in inflammation. In Inflammation, Vol. 18, No. 11994, Andersen et at identify the presence of certain phospholipase A2sin psoriatic human skin.

It is therefore believed that inhibition of phospholipase A2 enzymesshould have potential in curing some of the inflammatory symptoms,including epidermal hyperproliferation due to increased leukotrieneproduction, related to eicosanoid. production and cell activation inboth epidermis and dermis in psoriasis.

Psoriasis is a common, chronic, inflammatory skin disorder. Psoriatictissue is characterised by chronic inflammation in both epidermis anddermis, the disease being further characterised by hyperplasia ofepidermal keratinocytes, fibroblast activation, alteration of eicosanoidmetabolism, and leukocyte infiltration.

Glomerulonephritis, also known as glomerular nephritis, abbreviated GN,is a renal disease characterized by inflammation of the glomeruli, orsmall blood vessels in the kidneys. It may present with isolatedhematuria and/or proteinuria or as a nephrotic syndrome, acute renalfailure, or chronic renal failure. Glomerulonephritis is categorisedinto several different pathological patterns, which are broadly groupedinto non-proliferative or proliferative types.

The glomerulus is a unique vascular network with three specialised typesof cell: the endothelial cell, the mesangial cell and the visceralepithelial cell. Mesangial cells (MC) serve a number of functions in therenal glomerular capillary including structural support of the capillarytuft, modulation of the glomerular hemodynamics and a phagocyticfunction allowing removal of macromolecules and immune complexes. Theproliferation of MC is a prominent feature of glomerular diseaseincluding IgA nephropathy, membranoproliferative glomerulonephritis,lupus nephritis, and diabetic nephropathy.

Reduction of MC proliferation in glomerular disease models by treatmentwith, for example, a low protein diet has been shown to produceextracellular matrix expansion and glomerulosclerotic changes. MCproliferation inhibitors may therefore offer therapeutic opportunitiesfor the treatment of proliferative glomerular disease.

Mesangial proliferative glomerulonephritis is a form ofglomerulonephritis which involves inflammation at the kidney glomeruli.The mesangial cells which are a part of the glomerular capillaries,increase in size giving the glomeruli a lumpy appearance. The disorderusually causes nephritic syndrome which represents protein loss in theurine. It may be present as acute, chronic or rapidly progressiveglomerulonephritis and may progress to chronic renal failure.

The present inventors seek new treatments for, inter alia, chronicinflammatory conditions such as glomerulonephritis and associatedconditions like diabetic nephropathy and retinopathy, psoriasis,dermatitis, rheumatoid arthritis and hyperproliferative disorders suchas cancer.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present inventors have surprisingly found that certain2-oxothiazoles are ideal cPLA₂ inhibitors and offer new therapeuticroutes to the treatment of chronic inflammatory disorders.

2-oxothiazole type structures are not new. In Bioorganic and MedicinalChemistry 16 (2008) 1562-1595, there is a review of chemistry in thisfield. 2-oxo (benz)thiazoles carrying peptides or amino acids on the2-position i.e. where the 2-oxo group forms part of the backbone of anamino acid) are known in the art as thrombin inhibitors.

Also reported are certain hydrolase and transferase inhibitors inparticular having a 2-oxo-oleyl side chain. Similar compounds as fattyacid amide hydrolase inhibitors are reported in J Med Chem Vol. 51, No.237329-7343. Their potential as inhibitors of cPLA₂ is not discussed.

In a further aspect, the present inventors have also found that thecompounds of the present invention offer value in the prevention ortreatment of hyperproliferative disorders (defined below) such ascancer.

Thus, viewed from one aspect the invention provides a compound offormula (I)

wherein R₆ is H, C₁₋₆alkyl, —(CH₂)_(p)COOH, —(CH₂)_(p)COOC₁₋₆alkyl,—(CH₂)_(p)CONH₂, —(CH₂)_(p)CONHC₁₋₆alkyl, —(CH₂)_(p)CON(C₁₋₆alkyl)₂,

R₇ is as defined for R₆; or

R₆ and R₇ taken together with the atoms joining them can form a6-membered aromatic or non aromatic, saturated or unsaturated,carbocyclic or heteroatom containing (e.g. O, N or S containing) ringoptionally substituted by up to 4 groups R₈;

each R₈ is defined as for R₆ or is oxo;

R₁₀ is C₁₋₆ alkyl;

Ar is a C₆₋₁₄ aryl group, wherein the aryl group may be optionallysubstituted (preferably in the meta or para position relative to O) withone or more R₉ groups;

each R₉ is halo, OH, CN, nitro, NH₂, NHC₁₋₆alkyl, N(C₁₋₆alkyl)₂,haloC₁₋₆alkyl, C₆₋₁₀ aryl group, C₇₋₁₂ arylalkyl, a C₁₋₁₀alkyl group,C₂₋₁₀-mono or multiply unsaturated alkenyl group, OC₁₋₁₀alkyl group,—OC₁₋₁₀alkyl-O—C₁₀alkyl, —C₁₋₁₀alkyl-O—C₁₋₁₀alkyl, —C₂₋₁₀-mono ormultiply unsaturated alkenyl group, OAr², O(CH₂)_(q)Ar², SAr² orS(CH₂)_(q)Ar²;

wherein Ar² is phenyl, optionally substituted with one or more of halo,trihalomethyl, C₁₋₁₀-alkoxy, or C₁₋₁₀ alkyl;

each q is 1 to 3, preferably 1;

each p is 0 to 3;

or a salt, ester, solvate, N-oxide, or prodrug thereof.

Viewed from another aspect the invention provides a compound of formula(II)

wherein R₆ is H, C₁₋₆alkyl, —(CH₂)_(p)COOH, —(CH₂)_(p)COOC₁₋₆alkyl,—(CH₂)_(p)CONH₂, —(CH₂)_(p)CONHC₁₋₆alkyl, —(CH₂)_(p)CON(C₁₋₆alkyl)₂,

R₇ is as defined for R₆; or

R₆ and R₇ taken together with the atoms joining them can form a6-membered aromatic or non aromatic, saturated or unsaturated,carbocyclic or heteroatom containing (e.g. O, N or S containing) ringoptionally substituted by up to 4 groups R₈;

each R₈ is defined as for R₆ or is oxo;

R¹¹ is H or C₁₋₆ alkyl;

Ar is a C₆₋₁₄ aryl group, wherein the aryl group is substituted(preferably in the meta or para position relative to O) with one or moreR₉ groups;

each R₉ is —OC₁₋₁₀alkyl-O—C₁₀alkyl, —C₁₋₁₀alkyl-O—C₁₋₁₀alkyl, OAr²,O(CH₂)_(q)Ar², SAr² or S(CH₂)_(q)Ar²;

wherein Ar² is phenyl, optionally substituted with one or more of halo,trihalomethyl, C₁₋₁₀-alkoxy, or C₁₋₁₀ alkyl;

each q is 1 to 3, preferably 1;

each p is 0 to 3;

or a salt, ester, solvate, N-oxide, or prodrug thereof.

Viewed from another aspect the invention provides a compound of formula(I′)

wherein R₆ is H, C₁₋₆alkyl, —(CH₂)_(p)COOH, —(CH₂)_(p)COOC₁₋₆alkyl,—(CH₂)_(p)CONH₂, —(CH₂)_(p)CONHC₁₋₆alkyl, —(CH₂)_(p)CON(C₁₋₆alkyl)₂,

R₇ is as defined for R₆; or

R₆ and R₇ taken together with the atoms joining them can form a6-membered aromatic or non aromatic, saturated or unsaturated,carbocyclic or heteroatom containing (e.g. O, N or S containing) ringoptionally substituted by up to 4 groups R₈;

each R₈ is defined as for R₆ or is oxo;

R₁₀ is C₁₋₆ alkyl;

Ar is a C₆₋₁₄ aryl group, wherein the aryl group may be optionallysubstituted (preferably in the meta or para position relative to O) withone or more R₉ groups;

each R₉ is halo, OH, CN, nitro, NH₂, NHC₁₋₆alkyl, N(C₁₋₆alkyl)₂,haloC₁₋₆alkyl, C₆₋₁₀ aryl group, C₇₋₁₂ arylalkyl, a C₁₋₁₀alkyl group,C₂₋₁₀-mono or multiply unsaturated alkenyl group, OC₁₋₁₀alkyl group,SC₁₋₁₀alkyl group —OC₁₋₁₀alkyl-O—C₁₀alkyl, —C₁₋₁₀alkyl-O—C₁₋₁₀alkyl,—OC₂₋₁₀-mono or multiply unsaturated alkenyl group, OAr², O(CH₂)_(q)Ar²,SAr² or S(CH₂)_(q)Ar²;

wherein Ar² is phenyl, optionally substituted with one or more of halo,trihalomethyl, C₁₋₁₀-alkoxy, or C₁₋₁₀ alkyl;

each q is 1 to 3, preferably 1;

each p is 0 to 3;

or a salt, ester, solvate, N-oxide, or prodrug thereof.

Viewed from another aspect the invention provides a compound of formula(II′)

wherein R₆ is H, C₁₋₆alkyl, —(CH₂)_(p)COOH, —(CH₂)_(p)COOC₁₋₆alkyl,—(CH₂)_(p)CONH₂, —(CH₂)_(p)CONHC₁₋₆alkyl, —(CH₂)_(p)CON(C₁₋₆alkyl)₂,

R₇ is as defined for R₆; or

R₆ and R₇ taken together with the atoms joining them can form a6-membered aromatic or non aromatic, saturated or unsaturated,carbocyclic or heteroatom containing (e.g. O, N or S containing) ringoptionally substituted by up to 4 groups R₈;

each R₈ is defined as for R₆ or is oxo;

R¹¹ is H or C₁₋₆ alkyl;

Ar is a C₆₋₁₄ aryl group, wherein the aryl group is substituted(preferably in the meta or para position relative to O) with one or moreR₉ groups;

each R₉ is —OC₁₋₁₀alkyl-O—C₁₀alkyl, —C₁₋₁₀alkyl-O—C₁₋₁₀alkyl, OAr²,O(CH₂)_(q)Ar², SC₁₋₁₀alkyl, SAr² or S(CH₂)_(q)Ar²;

wherein Ar² is phenyl, optionally substituted with one or more of halo,trihalomethyl, C₁₋₁₀-alkoxy, or C₁₋₁₀ alkyl;

each q is 1 to 3, preferably 1;

each p is 0 to 3;

or a salt, ester, solvate, N-oxide, or prodrug thereof.

Viewed from another aspect the invention provides a compound of formula(III)

wherein is R₁₁ is H or C₁₋₆ alkyl;

R₁₂ is H or C₁₋₆ alkyl;

Ar is a C₆₋₁₄ aryl group, wherein the aryl group may be optionallysubstituted (preferably in the meta or para position relative to O) withone or more R₉ groups;

each R₉ is halo, OH, CN, nitro, NH₂, NHC₁₋₆alkyl, N(C₁₋₆alkyl)₂,haloC₁₋₆alkyl, C₆₋₁₀ aryl group, C₇₋₁₂ arylalkyl, a C₁₋₁₀alkyl group,C₂₋₁₀-mono or multiply unsaturated alkenyl group, OC₁₋₁₀alkyl group,—OC₁₋₁₀alkyl-O—C₁₀alkyl, —C₁₋₁₀alkyl-O—C₁₋₁₀alkyl, —OC₂₋₁₀-mono ormultiply unsaturated alkenyl group, OAr², O(CH₂)_(q)Ar², SAr² orS(CH₂)_(q)Ar²;

wherein Ar² is phenyl, optionally substituted with one or more of halo,trihalomethyl, C₁₋₁₀-alkoxy, or C₁₋₁₀ alkyl;

each q is 1 to 3;

the dotted line is an optional double bond;

or a salt, ester, solvate, N-oxide, or prodrug thereof.

Viewed from another aspect the invention provides a compound of formula(IV)

R₅ is a heteroaryl or heterocyclic group such as furan, thiophene,pyyrole, pyrroline, pyrrolidine, oxazole, imidazole, imidazoline,imidazolidine, pyrazole, isooxazole, isothiazole, triazole, piperidine,pyridine, pyrimidine or thiazole optionally substituted with at leastone group R₁₄ where R₁₄ is C₁₋₆ alkyl;

R₇ is H or C₁₋₆alkyl;

R₁₁ is H or C₁₋₆ alkyl;

Ar is a C₆₋₁₄ aryl group, wherein the aryl group may be optionallysubstituted (preferably in the meta or para position relative to V₁)with one or more R₉ groups;

Ar is a C₆₋₁₄ aryl group, wherein the aryl group may be optionallysubstituted (preferably in the meta or para position relative to O) withone or more R₉ groups;

each R₉ is halo, OH, CN, nitro, NH₂, NHC₁₋₆alkyl, N(C₁₋₆alkyl)₂,haloC₁₋₆alkyl, C₆₋₁₀aryl group, C₇₋₁₂ arylalkyl, a C₁₋₁₀alkyl group,C₂₋₁₀-mono or multiply unsaturated alkenyl group, OC₁₋₁₀alkyl group,—OC₁₋₁₀alkyl-O—C₁₀alkyl, —C₁₋₁₀alkyl-O—C₁₋₁₀alkyl, —OC₂₋₁₀-mono ormultiply unsaturated alkenyl group, OAr², O(CH₂)_(q)Ar², SAr² orS(CH₂)_(q)Ar²;

wherein Ar²is phenyl, optionally substituted with one or more of halo,trihalomethyl, C₁₋₁₀-alkoxy, or C₁₋₁₀ alkyl;

each q is 1 to 3;

or a salt, ester, solvate, N-oxide, or prodrug thereof.

Viewed from another aspect the invention provides a compound ashereinbefore defined for use in therapy.

Viewed from another aspect the invention provides a compound as hereindefined for use in the treatment of a chronic inflammatory condition.

Viewed from another aspect the invention provides a compound as hereindefined for use in the treatment of a hyperproliferative disorder.

Viewed from another aspect the invention provides a pharmaceuticalcomposition comprising a compound as hereinbefore defined.

Viewed from another aspect the invention provides a method of treating achronically inflammatory disorder comprising administering to a patientin need thereof an effective amount of a compound as hereinbeforedefined.

Viewed from another aspect the invention provides a method of treating ahyperproliferative disorder comprising administering to a patient inneed thereof an effective amount of a compound as hereinbefore defined.

DEFINITIONS

In this specification, unless stated otherwise, the term “alkyl”includes both straight and branched chain alkyl radicals and may bemethyl, ethyl, n-propyl, i-propyl, n-butyl, i-butyl, s-butyl, t-butyl,n-pentyl, i-pentyl, t-pentyl, neo-pentyl, n-hexyl or i-hexyl, t- hexyl.Any alkyl group is preferably linear.

The term “alkenyl” includes both straight and branched chain alkenylradicals. The term alkenyl refers to an alkenyl radicals one or moredouble bonds and may be, but is not limited to vinyl, allyl, propenyl,i-propenyl, butenyl, i-butenyl, crotyl, pentenyl, pentenyl and hexenyl.

The term “aryl” refers to an optionally substituted monocyclic orbicyclic hydrocarbon ring system containing at least one unsaturatedaromatic ring. Examples and suitable values of the term “aryl,” arephenyl, naphtyl, tetrahydronaphthyl, indyl, indenyl and the like.

The term arylalkyl covers aryl groups substituted with alkyl groups. Thearylalkyl may bind to the carbon atom to which it is attached via thearyl ring or via a carbon of an alkyl substituent such as in benzyl.

Halo refers to fluoro, chloro, bromo or iodo, especially chloro orfluoro.

In any compound of the invention R₉ is preferably—C₁₋₁₀alkyl-O—C₁₀alkyl, —C₁₋₁₀alkyl-O—C₁₋₁₀alkyl, OAr², O(CH₂)_(q)Ar²,SAr² or S(CH₂)_(q)Ar². R₉ may also be SC1-10alkyl.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF INVENTION

This invention relates to a series of related compounds which haveutility in the treatment of chronic inflammatory disorders andhyperproliferative disorders.

Compounds of Formula (I) or (I′)

In a first embodiment, the invention provides 2-oxothiazole compounds offormula (I) or (I′)

as hereinbefore defined or a salt, ester, solvate, N-oxide, or prodrugthereof.

In compounds of formula (I) or (I′) it is preferred if R₇ is H.

R₆ is preferably H, —(CH₂)_(p)COOH, —(CH₂)_(p)CONH₂ or—(CH₂)_(p)COOC₁₋₆alkyl.

The subscript p is preferably 0 or 1. A most preferred option is—COOC₁₋₆alkyl.

R₁₀ is preferably methyl.

Ar is preferably phenyl.

In compounds of formula (I) there are preferably be 0, 1 or 2 groups R⁹.Moreover, it is preferred if the substituents are positioned on adjacentcarbon atoms, ideally the meta and para positions on the ring. Preferredoptions for R₉ are a C₄₋₁₀alkyl group, especially a C₆₋₈ alkyl groupsuch as a C₈ alkyl group, a C₄₋₁₀ alkenyl group, a OC₁₋₁₀ alkyl group,—OC₁₋₁₀alkyl-O—C₁₀alkyl, —C₁₋₁₀alkyl-O—C₁₋₁₀alkyl, C₇₋₁₂ arylalkyl or aC₆₋₁₀ aryl group. R₉ may also be SC₁₋₁₀alkyl. R₉ alkyl groups arepreferably linear.

A preferred structure is therefore formula (Ia)

wherein R₆ and R₁₀ are as hereinbefore defined;

R₁ and R₃ are each independently selected from H, halo (e.g. fluoro orchloro), C₆₋₁₀aryl, C₇₋₁₂ arylalkyl, C₂₋₁₂ alkenyl; OC₁₋₁₀ alkyl,C₁₋₁₀-O—C₁₋₁₀ alkyl, OC₁₋₁₀-O—C₁₋₁₀ alkyl, OC₂₋₁₀ alkenyl or a C₁₋₁₀alkyl group; or a salt, ester, solvate, N-oxide, or prodrug thereof. R₁and R₃ may also be SC₁₋₁₀alkyl.

In compounds (Ia), it is preferred if one of R₁ and R₃, most preferablyR₁, is a C₄₋₁₀alkyl group, especially a C₆₋₈ alkyl groups such as a C₈alkyl group or a C₆₋₁₀ aryl group or —C₁₋₁₀alkyl-O—C₁₀alkyl. R₁ and R₃are preferably different.

It is preferred if both R₁ and R₃ are not H.

It is preferred if one of R₁ and R₃ is a C₄₋₁₀alkyl group, C₂₋₁₀ alkenylgroup or —OC₄₋₁₀ alkyl group and the other is H, halo or OC₁₋₆ alkyl.

R₃ is preferably H, halo or OC₁₋₆ alkyl. Alkyl groups are preferablylinear.

Where R₁ or R₃ is alkenyl, it preferably contains one double bond.Ideally that double bond is on the two carbons nearest the Ar group.

Specifically preferred structures of formula (I) include:

or salts thereof.

Compounds of Formula (II) or (II′)

In a second embodiment, compounds of interest are of formula (II) or(II′):

as herein before defined or a salt, ester, solvate, N-oxide, or prodrugthereof. In compounds of formula (II) or (II′), R₇ is preferably H.

R₆ is preferably H, —(CH₂)_(p)COOH, —(CH₂)_(p)CONH₂ or—(CH₂)_(p)COOC₁₋₆alkyl. The subscript p is preferably 0 or 1. Apreferred option is —COOC₁₋₆alkyl.

R₁₁ is preferably H or Me, especially H.

Ar is preferably phenyl.

There is preferably one R₉ group present. The R₉ group is preferablypara to the O atom. R₉ is preferably —OC₁₋₁₀alkyl-O—-C₁₀alkyl, —OAr²,—S(CH₂)_(q)Ar² or —O(CH₂)_(q)Ar². The subscript q is preferably 1 or 2,such as 1. Ar² is preferably Ph optionally substituted with F, CF₃ orOMe. There is preferably one substituent on the Ar² group. Thatsubstituent is preferably in the para position. Preferred groups—OC₁₋₁₀alkyl-O—C₁₀alkyl include —OCH₂OC₁₀alkyl. R₉ may also beSC₁₋₁₀alkyl.

Preferred compounds are therefore of formula (IIc)

wherein R₆ is H, C₁₋₆alkyl, —(CH₂)_(p)COOH, —(CH₂)_(p)COOC₁₋₆alkyl,—(CH₂)_(p)CONH₂, —(CH₂)_(p)CONHC₁₋₆alkyl, —(CH₂)_(p)CON(C₁₋₆alkyl)₂,

R₉ is —OC₁₋₁₀alkyl-O—C₁₀alkyl, —OAr², —O(CH₂)_(q)Ar², SAr² orS(CH₂)_(q)Ar² (or R₉ may also be SC₁₋₁₀alkyl);

wherein Ar² is phenyl, optionally substituted with one or more of halo,trihalomethyl, C₁₋₁₀-alkoxy, or C ₁₋₁₀ alkyl;

each q is 1 to 3, preferably 1;

each p is 0 to 3;

or a salt, ester, solvate, N-oxide, or prodrug thereof Alkyl groups arepreferably linear.

Specific preferred compounds include those of formula (II″)

wherein Q is H, F, CF₃ or OMe; or a salt thereof;

and compounds of formula (IIa) and (IIb):

where Y is H, F, CF₃ or OMe; or a salt thereof.

Also preferred is

or a salt thereof.

Compounds of formula (III)

Further compounds of interest are of formula (III)

as herein defined or a salt, ester, solvate, N-oxide, or prodrugthereof.

It is preferred if R₁₁ is H.

It is preferred if R₁₂ is H or Me, preferably H.

Ar is preferably phenyl.

In compounds of formula (III) there may be 0, 1 or 2 groups R⁹.Moreover, it is preferred if the substituents are positioned on adjacentcarbon atoms, ideally the meta and para positions on the ring. Preferredoptions for R₉ are a C₄₋₁₀alkyl group, especially a C₆₋₈ alkyl groupsuch as a C₈ alkyl group, a C₄₋₁₀ alkenyl group, a OC₁₋₁₀ alkyl group,—C₁₋₁₀alkyl-O—C₁₋₁₀alkyl, C₇₋₁₂ arylalkyl or a C₆₋₁₀ aryl group. R₉alkyl groups are preferably linear.

A preferred structure is formula (III′)

wherein R₁ and R₃ are each independently selected from H, halo (e.g.fluoro or chloro), C₆₋₁₀aryl, C₇₋₁₂ arylalkyl, C₂₋₁₂ alkenyl; OC₁₋₁₂alkyl, OC₂₋₁₂ alkenyl or a C₁₋₁₂ alkyl group; or a salt thereof.

In compounds (III′), it is preferred if one of R₁ and R₃, mostpreferably R₁, is a C₄₋₁₀alkyl group, especially a C₆₋₈ alkyl groupssuch as a C₈ alkyl group or a C₆₋₁₀ aryl group or—C₁₋₁₀alkyl-O—C₁₋₁₀alkyl. R₁ and R₃ are preferably different. Alkylgroups are preferably linear.

It is preferred if both R₁ and R₃ are not H.

It is preferred if one of R₁ and R₃ is a C₄₋₁₀alkyl group, C₂₋₁₀ alkenylgroup or —OC₄₋₁₀ alkyl group and the other is H, halo or OC₁₋₆ alkyl.

R₃ is preferably H, halo or OC₁₋₆ alkyl.

Where R₁ or R₃ is alkenyl, it preferably contains one double bond.Ideally that double bond is on the two carbons nearest the Ar group.

Specifically preferred options include

or salts thereof.

Compounds of Formula (IV)

In a further preferred embodiment, the invention relates to compounds offormula (IV) as hereinbefore defined

or a salt thereof.

It is preferred if R₅ is an oxazole optionally substituted with C₁₋₆alkyl. R₅ is preferably oxazole ideally where the oxazole is linked tothe molecule via the carbon between the heteroatoms.

R₇ is preferably H.

R₁ is preferably H.

Ar is preferably phenyl.

In compounds of formula (I) there may be 0, 1 or 2 groups R⁹. Moreover,it is preferred if the substituents are positioned on adjacent carbonatoms, ideally the meta and para positions on the ring. Preferredoptions for R₉ are a C₄₋₁₀alkyl group, especially a C₆₋₈ alkyl groupsuch as a C₈ alkyl group, a C₄₋₁₀ alkenyl group, a OC₁₋₁₀ alkyl group,C₇₋₁₂ arylalkyl or a C₆₋₁₀ aryl group. R₉ alkyl groups are preferablylinear.

A preferred structure is formula (IV′)

wherein R₁ and R₃ are each independently selected from H, halo (e.g.fluoro or chloro), C₆₋₁₀aryl, C₇₋₁₂ arylalkyl, C₂₋₁₂ alkenyl; OC₁₋₁₂alkyl, OC₂₋₁₂ alkenyl or a C₁₋₁₂ alkyl group; or a salt thereof.

In compounds (IV′), it is preferred if one of R₁ and R₃, most preferablyR₁, is a C₄₋₁₀alkyl group, especially a C₆₋₈ alkyl groups such as a C₈alkyl group or a C₆₋₁₀ aryl group. R₁ and R₃ are preferably different.

It is preferred if both R₁ and R₃ are not H.

It is preferred if one of R₁ and R₃ is a C₄₋₁₀alkyl group, C₂₋₁₀ alkenylgroup or —OC₄₋₁₀ alkyl group and the other is H, halo or OC₁₋₆ alkyl.Alkyl groups are preferably linear.

R₃ is preferably H, halo or OC₁₆ alkyl.

Where R₁ or R₃ is alkenyl, it preferably contains one double bond.Ideally that double bond is on the two carbons nearest the Ar group.

Specifically preferred options include

or a salt thereof.

Synthesis

The manufacture of the compounds of the invention typically involvesknown literature reactions. For example, the formation of a2-oxothiazole, the precursor to many of the claimed compounds, can beachieved by reaction of an aldehyde XCOH with thiazole in the presenceof a base and subsequent oxidation of the hydroxyl to a ketone. The Xgroup is obviously selected to form the desired side chain group or aprecursor thereof.

These reactions are summarised in Scheme 1 below.

It will be appreciated that in the scheme above and many of those below,specific reagents and solvents may mentioned to aid the skilled man incarrying out the reactions described. The skilled man will appreciatehowever that a variety of different conditions, reagents, solvents,reactions etc could be used to effect the chemistry described and theconditions quoted are not intended to be limiting on the reactionsdescribed.

An alternative strategy involves the reaction of an alkoxy amideXCON(Oalkyl) with thiazole in base which affords 2-oxothiazolesdirectly. This reaction is summarised in scheme 2.

There are still further ways of developing a 2-oxo thiazole ringcarrying a substituent. The ring itself can be generated from athioamide as described in scheme 3.

The formed compound can react with thiazole as described above.Variations of the substituents on the heterocyclic rings andmanipulation of the side chain binding the carbonyl can be achievedusing all manner of synthetic techniques which the skilled man willknow. Guidance is offered in the examples as to how to make a widevariety of compounds and the principles described can be extended to thecompounds encompassed by the claims. WO2011/039365 also offers syntheticpathways to follow.

Chronic Inflammatory Disorders

The compounds of the invention may be used in the prevention ortreatment of chronic inflammatory disorders, in particular thoseassociated with phospholipase inhibition.

Preferably, any compound of the invention achieve at least 75%, such asat least 90% inhibition against group IVa PLA₂.

Preferably, compounds of the invention inhibit group IVa cPLA₂ at a lowμM range such as 5 μM or less, preferably 4 μM or less.

It is further preferred that the compounds of formula (I) of theinvention show greater inhibition of group IVa cPLA₂ than iPLA₂ or sPLA₂according to published assays for these enzymes (see, for example, Yang,H et al. (1999) Anal. Biochem, 269: 278). Ideally, the compounds of theinvention show limited or no inhibition of iPLA₂ or sPLA₂ and they aretherefore highly specific for the group IVa cPLA₂ enzyme.

Specific diseases of interest are glomerulonephritis, inflammatorydermatoses such as psoriasis and rheumatoid arthritis.

Further conditions of interest include other inflammatory dermatosessuch as atopic dermatitis, allergic contact dermatitis, seborrheicdermatitis, pityriasis rosea, lichen plan us and drug eruptions.

Furthermore the compounds of the invention may have use in the treatmentof other types of arthritis and dermatoses, inflammatory CNS diseases,multiple sclerosis, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, chronic lunginflammatory conditions, inflammatory bowel disease such as ulcerativecolitis and crohns disease, and cardiovascular disease. Furthermore, thecompounds of the invention may have use in the treatment of juvenilearthritis, Crohn's colitis, psoriatic arthritis and ankylosingspondylitis.

Thus viewed from a further aspect the invention provides for themanagement (typically an alleviation of symptoms), prevention ortreatment of any of the conditions listed above using the compounds ofthe invention.

In one embodiment, the prevention, treatment, or alleviation of symptomsof a chronic inflammatory condition such as those mentioned above can beachieved by administering at least one compound according to theinvention (e.g., one, two or three of such compounds) to a subject asthe sole active agent. Alternatively, the chronic inflammatory conditioncan be prevented, treated or symptoms alleviated along with at least onesuitable anti-inflammatory drug (e.g., one, two or three of such drugs).Non-limiting examples of such drugs include certain steroids (e.g.,corticosteroids), non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDS) such asaspirin, ibuprofen and naproxen, and analgesics such as paracetamol,acetaminophen and the like; as well as ImSAIDs.

It will be appreciated that when the indication to be treated isrheumatoid arthritis or a related disorder, the subject may be receivingor will receive a disease modifying antirheumatic drug (known as DMARD)such as methotrexate, leflunomide, hydroxychloroquine, sulfasalazine,and the like. In one embodiment, the DMARD can be administered alongwith at least one compound of the invention such as one, two or three ofsuch compounds. In another embodiment, the subject can receive inaddition to the DMARD a suitable biologic such as those mentioned belowalong with at least one compound of the invention such as one, two orthree of such compounds. When a subject starts using a particularbiologic agent, they will often also remain on their current dose ofnonsteroidal anti-inflammatory (NSAID) and/or corticosteroid (i.e.,prednisone) medicines.

It will be appreciated that therapeutic methods according to theinvention are flexible and can be practiced in several ways to achieveda desired outcome. Thus in one embodiment, the method includesadministering a compound having Formula I to a subject (e.g., using anoral, i.v, i.p or other route) followed by administration of ananti-inflammatory drug as described herein. Use of a suitable biologic(e.g. an antibody therapeutic as provided herein) may also be indicated.Alternatively, the method can be practiced by administering theanti-inflaimnatory drug first followed by administration of the compoundof the invention. Choice of a particular methodology and administrationroute will be guided by understood parameters such as the chronicinflammatory disorder to be treated, age and sex of the subject, etc.

Hyperproliferative Disorders

In another aspect, the invention provides compounds of the invention foruse in the management, treatment or prevention of any condition orclinical situation where it is desirable (or where it may be of benefit)to prevent or inhibit the growth of cells. Examples include tumors,cancers, neoplastic tissues, and other premaligant and noneoplastichyperproliferative disorders, all of which together are referred toherein as hyperproliferative or hyperplastic disorders.

The term “inhibit” is used broadly to include any reduction or decreasein cell growth as well as the prevention or abolition of cell growth.“Inhibition” thus includes the reduction or prevention of cell growth.This may be determined by any appropriate or convenient means, such asdetermining or assessing cell number, size (e.g size of tissue in whichthe cells are contained), cell viability and/or cell death etc., as maybe determined by techniques well known in the art.

“Growth” of cells as referred to herein is also used broadly to includeany aspect of cell growth, including in particular the proliferation ofcells.

The compounds of the invention may thus be used in the treatment of anycondition (used broadly herein to include any disorder or any clinicalsituation) which is responsive to reduction of cell growth (particularlycell proliferation). The compounds accordingly find utility in anytherapy (or treatment) which targets cell growth (or proliferation). Inother words, the compounds may be used in any therapeutic application inwhich it desirable or advantageous to inhibit cell proliferation.

A treatment may include any clinical step or intervention whichcontributes to, or is a part of, a treatment programme or regimen. Aprophylactic treatment may include delaying, limiting, reducing orpreventing the condition or the onset of the condition, or one or moresymptoms thereof, for example relative to the condition or symptom priorto the prophylactic treatment. Prophylaxis thus explicitly includes bothabsolute prevention of occurrence or development of the condition, orsymptom thereof, and any delay in the onset or development of thecondition or symptom, or reduction or limitation on the development orprogression of the condition or symptom. Treatment according to theinvention thus includes killing, inhibiting or slowing the growth ofcells, or the increase in size of a body or population of cells (e.g ina tissue, tumour or growth), reducing cell number or preventing spreadof cells (e.g to another anatomic site), reducing the size of a cellgrowth etc. The term “treatment” does not imply cure or completeabolition or elimination of cell growth, or a growth of cells.

Since the therapeutic applications and utilities of the presentinvention may generally involve inhibiting cell proliferation, nearlyany proliferating cell may be targeted in the therapies and utilitiesdisclosed and encompassed herein. Such proliferating cells may includehealthy or diseased cells and cells of any tissue in which proliferationoccurs. For example, such cells may include in particular neoplasticcells, including both malignant and non-malignant neoplastic cells andcells of the immune system. (immune cells), cells of the haematopoieticsystem generally, or skin cells.

The compounds of the invention can be employed to treat one or acombination of hyperproliferative disorders as the sole active agent orin combination with one or more other agents. In one embodiment,disorders or conditions involving abnormal or unwanted cell growth maybe treated with known agents including known cytotoxic and/or cytostaticagents including chemotherapeutic agents. Accordingly, as alternativelystated above, the compounds of the invention may be used in any methodof treatment which involves (or includes) the use of such cytotoxicand/or cytostatic agents. This may include the treatment of anycondition responsive to a cytotoxic and/or cytostatic agent or anycondition which may he treated with or which requires the use of suchagent(s).

The treatment of hyperproliferative disorders represents an aspect ofparticular interest. The term “hyperproliferative disorder” is usedbroadly herein to include any disorder or condition which involvesincreased, undesired or unwanted proliferation of cells. Thus includedare not only conditions in which proliferation of cells is increased,for example relative to normal or healthy cells, or cells in the absenceof the condition in question (e.g. compared or relative to a healthy orcontrol subject, or compared or relative to cells taken from healthy orunaffected tissue in the same subject), but also conditions in whichcell proliferation is not increased (or not greatly or significantlyincreased) over normal, but in which the proliferation which occurs isunwanted or undesired, whether generally or in a particular context.This may include for example an unwanted or undesired proliferation ofcells which may occur in a “normal” response.

A hyperproliferative disorder of particular interest involves theproliferation of cells which have the capacity for autonomous growthi.e. cells which exist and reproduce independently of normal regulatorymechanisms. A hyperproliferative-disorder may therefore be a neoplasticdisorder, and as noted above, this may be a pre-malignant, malignant,non-malignant or non-neoplastic disorder. Examples of pre-malignant ornon-neoplastic or non-malignant hyperproliferative disorders includemyelodysplastic disorders, cervical carcinoma-in-situ, familialintestinal polyposes (e.g. Gardner syndrome), oral leukoplasias,histiocytoses, keloids, hemangiomas, hyperproliferative arterialstenosis, inflammatory arthritis, hyperkeratoses, and papulosquamouseruptions, including arthritis. Also included are viral-inducedhyperproliferative diseases such as warts and EBV-induced disease (e.g.infectious mononucleosis), scar formation and the like.

The hyperproliferative disorder may thus be any hyperproliferativedisorder, for example selected from neoplastic disorders such as cancer(benign or metastatic). Cancer represents a hyperproliferative disorderof particular interest, and all types of cancers, including e.g. solidtumours and haematological cancers are included. Representative types ofcancer include cervical cancer, uterine cancer, ovarian cancer,pancreatic cancer, kidney cancer, gallbladder cancer, liver cancer, headand neck cancer, squamous cell carcinoma, gastrointestinal cancer,breast cancer, prostate cancer, testicular cancer, lung cancer,non-small cell lung cancer, non-Hodgkin's lymphoma, multiple myeloma,leukemia (such as acute lymphocytic leukemia, chronic lymphocyticleukemia, acute myelogenous leukemia, and chronic myelogenous leukemia),brain cancer (e.g. astrocytoma, glioblastoma, medulloblastoma),neuroblastorna, sarcomas, colon cancer, rectum cancer, stomach cancer,anal cancer, bladder cancer, pancreatic cancer, endometrial cancer,plasmacytorna, lymphomas, retinoblastorna, Wilm's tumor, Ewing sarcoma,melanoma and other skin cancers.

Mention may be made also of sinus tumours, urethral and genito-urinarycancers, oesophageal cancer, myeloma, endocrine cancers, osteosarcoma,angiosarcoma, and fibrosarcoma, and any tumour of the peripheral orcentral nervous systems, malignant or benign, including gliomas andneuroblastomas.

In embodiments in which the hyperproliferative disorder is a cancer, theinvention also features methods of treating a subject (e.g. a human thathas or is suspected of having cancer) in which the method includestreating the subject with at least one compound of the invention,preferably one, two or three of such compounds alone or along with aneffective amount of one or more agents having cytotoxic or cytostaticactivity such as a chemotherapeutic agent (e.g., one, two or three ofsuch agents). Illustrative chemotherapeutic agents are “small molecules”selected from the group consisting of abiraterone acetate, altretamine,ardrydrovinblastine, auristatin, bexarotene, bicalutarnide, BMS184476,2,3,4,5,6-pentalluoro-N-(3-fluoro-4-methoxyphenyl)benzene sulfonamide,bleomycin,N,N-dimethyl-L-valyt-L-valyl-N-methyl-L-valyl-L-proly-14-proline-t-butylamide,cachectin, cemadotin, chlorambucil, cyclophosphamide,3′,4′-didehydro-4′-deoxy-8′-norvin-caleukobiastine, docetaxol,doxetaxel, cyclophosphamide, carboplatin, carmustine (BCNU),cisplatin,cryrophycin, cyclophosphamide, cytarabine, dacarbazine (DTIC),dactinomycin, daunorubicin, decitabine dolastatin, doxorubicin(adriamycin), etoposide, 5-fluorouracil, finasteride, flutamide,hydroxyurea and hydroxyureataxanes, ifosfamide, liarozole, lonidamine,lomustine (CCNU), MDV3100, mcchlorcthaminc (nitrogen mustard),melphalan, mivobulin isethionate, rhizoxin, sertenef, streptozocin,mitomycin, methotrexate, 5-fluorouracil, nilutamide, onapristone,paclitaxel, prednimustine, procarbazine, RPR109881, stramustinephosphate, tamoxifen, tasonermin, taxol, tretinoin, vinblastine,vincristine, vindesine sulfate, and vinflunine.

Other suitable chemotherapeutic agents for use with the inventioninclude biologics such as immune molecules that exhibit a cytotoxic orcytostatic activity against a targeted cell or tissue. More specificexamples include antibodies and antigen-binding fragments thereof,namely monoclonal, polyclonal, chimeric and humanized antibodies.Non-limiting examples include the following therapeutic antibodies thathave been approved for human use for several medical indications:Abciximab (ReoPro), Adalimumab (Humira), Alemtuzumab (Campath),Basiliximab (Simulect), Belirnumab (Benlysta), Bevacizurnab (Avastin),Brentuximab vedotin (Adcetris), Canakinumab (Ilaris) Cetuximab(Erbitux), Certolizumab pegol[19] (Cinizia), Daclizurnab (Zenapax),Denosurnab (Prolia Xgeva), Eculizumab (Soliris), Efalizumab (Raptiva),Gemtuzumab (Mylotarg), Golimumab (Simponi), Ibritutnomab tiuxctan(Zevalin), Infliximab (Remicade), Ipilimumab (MDX-101) (Yervoy),Muromonab-CD3, (Orthoclone OKT3), Natatizumab (Tysabri), Ofatumumab(Arzerra), Omalizumah (Xotair), Palivizumab (Synagis), Panitumumab(Vectibix), Ranibizumab (Lucentis), Rituximab (Rituxan,Mabthera)Tocilizumab (or Atlizumab) (Actemra and RoActemra), Tositumomab(Bexxar) and Trastuzumab (Herceptin).

Also included within the scope of suitable biologics for use with theinvention are certain antibody-small molecule conjugates such as TDM1(conjugate of trastuzumab and doxorubicin).

In embodiments in which the hyperproliferative disorder is cancer andparticularly a cancer of the breast, the chemotherapeutic drug may beselected from the following: Abitrexate (Methotrexate), Abraxane(Paclitaxel Albumin-stabilized. Nanopartiele Formulation)Ado-TrastuzumabEmtansine, Adriamycin PFS (Doxorubicin Hydrochloride), Adriamycin RDF(Doxorubicin Hydrochloride), Adrucil (Fluorouracil), Afinitor(Everolimus), Anastrozole, Arimidex (Anastrozole), Aromasin(Exemestane), Capecitabine, Clafen (Cyclophosphamide), Cyclophosphamide,Cytoxan (Cyclophosphamide), Docetaxel, Doxorubicin Hydrochloride, Efudex(Fluorouracil), Ellence (Epirubicin Hydrochloride), EpirubicinHydrochloride, Everolimus, Exemestane, Fareston (Toremifene), Faslodex(Fulvestrant), Femara (Letrozole), Fluoroplex (Fluorouracil),Fluorouracil, Folex (Methotrexate), Folex PFS (Methotrexate),Fulvestrant, Gemcitabine Hydrochloride, Gemzar (GemcitabineHydrochloride), Herceptin (Trastuzurnab), Ixabepilone, Ixempra(Ixabepilone), Lapatinib Ditosylate, Letrozole, Methotrexate,Methotrexate LPF (Methotrexate), Mexate (Methotrexate), Mexate-AQ(Methotrexate), Neosar (Cyclophosphamide), Nolvadex (TarrioxifenCitrate), Novaldex (Tamoxifen Citrate), Paclitaxel, PaclitaxelAlbumin-stabilized Nanopartiele Formulation, Pedeta (Pertuzumab),Pertuzumab, Tamoxifen Citrate, Taxol (Paclitaxel), Taxotere (Docetaxel),Trastuzumab, Toremifene, Tykerb (Lapatinib Ditosylate), and Xeloda(Capecitabine)

In another aspect, the invention features methods of treating a subject(e.g. a human) having or suspected of having a hyperproliferativedisorder such as cancer, involving administering to the subject aneffective amount of a compound according to Formula I or II either as asole agent or along with an effective amount of one or morechemotherapeutic agents described above (e.g., one, two or three of suchagents). An illustrative treatment regimen involves treating, preventingor minimizing tumor progression or metastasis in a subject having aneoplasia, where the neoplastic cell is a cancer cell or is present in atumor.

In another aspect, the invention features a method of treating,preventing or minimizing tumor progression or metastasis in a subjectwhere the tumor is breast cancer, melanoma glioblastomas, colon cancer,non-small cell lung cancer, or lymphomas, involving administering to thesubject an effective amount of at least one compound of the invention(e.g., one, two or three of such compounds) alone or along with one ormore other chemotherapeutic agents as described herein (e.g, one or twoof such agents).

In a particularly preferred embodiment, the invention relates to amethod for preventing or treating breast cancer in a patient, the methodcomprising the steps of administering to the patient an effective amountof at least one chemotherapeutic agent; and administering an effectiveamount of at least one compound of the invention.

It is further preferred if a chemotherapeutic agent is administered tothe patient before the administration of the compound of the invention,such as one or more of paclitaxel, doxorubicin, cyclophosphamide andcisplatin.

The method may also comprise the administration of one or more oftrastuzumab (Herceptin), trastuzumab-doxorubicin conjugate (TDM1) andpertuzumab (Perjeta).

It will be appreciated that therapeutic methods according to theinvention are flexible and can be practiced in several ways to achieveda desired outcome for the subject. Thus in one embodiment, the methodincludes administering a compound having Formula I or II to a subject(e.g., using an oral, i.v, i.p or other route) followed byadministration of at least one chemotherapeutic agent as describedherein (e.g., one, two or three of such agents). Alternatively, themethod can be practiced by administering the chemotherapeutic agentfirst followed by administration of the compound of the invention.Choice of a particular methodology and administration route will beguided by understood parameters such as the hyperproliferative disorderto be treated, age and sex of the subject, etc.

The method of the invention may also comprise the treatment of chronicinflammatory disorders associated a diabetic condition in a patient,particularly diabetes mellitus, such as diabetic nephropathy anddiabetic retinopathy.

Subjects to be treated by the methods of the present invention includeboth human subjects patients) and animal subjects for veterinarypurposes. Animal subjects are generally mammalian subjects such ashorses, dogs, cats, cows, rabbits, sheep and the like.

Screen

Suitable compounds for use with the present methods for treating,preventing or alleviating symptoms a hyperproliferative disorder can beselected by one or a combination of different strategies which areintended to detect and preferably quantify changes in cell proliferationwhen contacted by one or more invention compounds. Non-limiting examplesof such screens are provided below:

a. NCI60 Screen: In one approach, a compound of the invention is testedfor efficacy in the NCI60 human humor cell line anticancer drug screenreported by Shoemaker, R. (2006) Nat. Reviews cancer 6, 813. Briefly,the NCI60 screen is a two-stage process, beginning with the evaluationof all compounds against 60 cell lines at a single dose of 10 μM.Compounds giving a growth inhibition of 50% (GI50) is calculated from[(Ti−Tz)/(C−Tz)]×100=50, which is the compound concentration resultingin a 50% reduction in the net protein increase (as measured by SRBstaining) in control cells during the incubation. Preferred compounds offormula (I) or (II) of the invention have a GI50 of about 1-5 μM in theNCI60 screen, more preferably about 0.01-0.1 μM or less with respect toat least one of the cell lines in the NCI60 screen.

See also Alley, M.C., et al. Cancer Research 48: 589-601, 1988; Greyer,M. R., et al. The National Cancer Institute: Cancer Drug Discovery andDevelopment Program. Seminars in Oncology, Vol. 19, No. 6, pp 622-638,1992; and Boyd, M. R., and Paull, K. D. Some Practical Considerationsand Applications of the National Cancer institute In Vitro AnticancerDrug Discovery Screen. Drug Development Research 34: 91-109, 1995.

b. Screen based on Clin Cancer Res. 2008 Dec. 15;14(24):8070-9.

Patel M I, Singh J, Niknami M, Kurek C, Yao M, Lu S, Maclean F, King NJ, Gelb Scott K F, Russell P J, Boulas J, Dong Q.

In another approach the expression of cPLA2-alpha can be determined inprostate cancer cells by reverse transcription-PCR, Western blot, andimmunocytochemistry. Growth inhibition, apoptosis, and cPLA2-alphaactivity can be determined after inhibition with cPLA2-alpha smallinterfering RNA or inhibitor (Wyeth-1). Cytosolic PLA2-alpha inhibitoror vehicle can also be administered to prostate cancer xenograft mousemodels. Finally, the expression of phosphorylated cPLA2-alpha can bedetermined by immunohistochemistry in human normal, androgen-sensitiveand androgen-insensitive prostate cancer specimens.

Formulation

Irrespective of their intended use, the compounds of the invention arepreferably formulated as pharmaceutically acceptable compositions. Thephrase “pharmaceutically acceptable”, as used in connection withcompositions of the invention, refers to molecular entities and otheringredients of such compositions that are physiologically tolerable anddo not typically produce untoward reactions when administered to amammal (e.g. human). Preferably, as used herein, the term“pharmaceutically acceptable” means approved by a regulatory agency ofthe Federal or a state government or listed in the U.S. Pharmacopoeia orother generally recognized pharmacopoeia for use in mammals, and moreparticularly in humans.

The term “carrier” applied to pharmaceutical compositions of theinvention refers to a diluent, excipient, or vehicle with which anactive compound is administered. Such pharmaceutical carriers can besterile liquids, such as water, saline solutions, aqueous dextrosesolutions, aqueous glycerol solutions, and oils, including those ofpetroleum, animal, vegetable or synthetic origin, such as peanut oil,soybean oil, mineral oil, sesame oil and the like. Suitablepharmaceutical carriers are described in “Remington's PharmaceuticalSciences” by E. W. Martin, 18th Edition, incorporated by reference.Particularly preferred for the present invention are carriers suitablefor immediate-release, i.e., release of most or all of the activeingredient over a short period of time, such as 60 minutes or less, andmake rapid absorption of the drug possible.

Any compound of the invention can be administered in salt, solvate,prodrug or ester form, especially salt form. Typically, a pharmaceuticalacceptable salt may be readily prepared by using a desired acid. Thesalt may precipitate from solution and be collected by filtration or maybe recovered by evaporation of the solvent. For example, an aqueoussolution of an acid such as hydrochloric acid may be added to an aqueoussuspension of a compound of the invention and the resulting mixtureevaporated to dryness (lyophilised) to obtain the acid addition salt asa solid. Alternatively, a compound of the invention may be dissolved ina suitable solvent, for example an alcohol such as isopropanol, and theacid may be added in the same solvent or another suitable solvent. Theresulting acid addition salt may then be precipitated directly, or byaddition of a less polar solvent such as diisopropyl ether or hexane,and isolated by filtration.

Suitable addition salts are formed from inorganic or organic acids whichform non-toxic salts and examples are hydrochloride, hydrobromide,hydroiodide, sulphate, bisulphate, nitrate, phosphate, hydrogenphosphate, acetate, trifluoroacetate, maleate, malate, fumarate,lactate, tartrate, citrate, formate, gluconate, succinate, pyruvate,oxalate, oxaloacetate, trifluoroacetate, saccharate, benzoate, alkyl oraryl sulphonates (eg methanesulphonate, ethanesulphonate,benzenesulphonate or p-toluenesulphonate) and isethionate.Representative examples include trifluoroacetate and formate salts, forexample the bis or tris trifluoroacetate salts and the mono or diformatesalts, in particular the tris or his trifluoroacetate salt and themonoformate salt.

Those skilled in the art of organic chemistry will appreciate that manyorganic compounds can form complexes with solvents in which they arereacted or from which they are precipitated or crystallized. Thesecomplexes are known as “solvates”. For example, a complex with water isknown as a “hydrate”. Solvates of the compounds of the invention arewithin the scope of the invention. The salts of the compound of theinvention may form solvates (e.g. hydrates) and the invention alsoincludes all such solvates.

The term “prodrug” as used herein means a compound which is convertedwithin the body, e.g. by hydrolysis in the blood, into its active faintthat has medical effects.

The compounds of the invention are proposed for use in the treatment of,inter alia, chronic inflammatory disorders and cancer. The compounds ofthe invention are also proposed for use in the treatment of, inter alia,cancer. By treating or treatment is meant at least one of:

(i). preventing or delaying the appearance of clinical symptoms of thedisease developing in a mammal;

(ii). inhibiting the disease i.e. arresting, reducing or delaying thedevelopment of the disease or a relapse thereof or at least one clinicalor subclinical symptom thereof, or

(iii). relieving or attenuating one or more of the clinical orsubclinical symptoms of the disease.

The benefit to a subject to be treated is either statisticallysignificant or at least perceptible to the patient or to the physician.In general a skilled man can appreciate when “treatment” occurs.

The word “treatment” is also used herein to cover prophylactictreatment, i.e. treating subjects who are at risk of developing adisease in question.

The compounds can be used on any animal subject, in particular a mammaland more particularly to a human or an animal serving as a model for adisease (e.g. mouse, monkey, etc.).

An “effective amount” means the amount of a compound that, whenadministered to an animal for treating a state, disorder or condition,is sufficient to effect such treatment. The “effective amount” will varydepending on the compound, the disease and its severity and the age,weight, physical condition and responsiveness of the subject to betreated and will be ultimately at the discretion of the attendantdoctor.

While it is possible that, for use in the methods of the invention, acompound may be administered as the bulk substance, it is preferable topresent the active ingredient in a pharmaceutical formulation, forexample, wherein the agent is in admixture with a pharmaceuticallyacceptable carrier selected with regard to the intended route ofadministration and standard pharmaceutical practice.

The term “carrier” refers to a diluent, excipient, and/or vehicle withwhich an active compound is administered. The pharmaceuticalcompositions of the invention may contain combinations of more than onecarrier. Such pharmaceutical carriers can be sterile liquids, such aswater, saline solutions, aqueous dextrose solutions, aqueous glycerolsolutions, and oils, including those of petroleum, animal, vegetable orsynthetic origin, such as peanut oil, soybean oil, mineral oil, sesameoil and the like. Water or aqueous solution saline solutions and aqueousdextrose and glycerol solutions are preferably employed as carriers,particularly for injectable solutions. Suitable pharmaceutical carriersare described in “Remington's Pharmaceutical Sciences” by E. W. Martin,18th Edition. The choice of pharmaceutical carrier can be selected withregard to the intended route of administration and standardpharmaceutical practice. The pharmaceutical compositions may compriseas, in addition to, the carrier any suitable binder(s), lubricant(s),suspending agent(s), coating agent(s), and/or solubilizing agent(s).

It will be appreciated that pharmaceutical compositions for use inaccordance with the present invention may be in the form of oral,parenteral, transdermal, inhalation, sublingual, topical, implant,nasal, or enterally administered (or other mucosally administered)suspensions, capsules or tablets, which may be formulated inconventional manner using one or more pharmaceutically acceptablecarriers or excipients.

There may be different composition/formulation requirements depending onthe different delivery systems. Likewise, if the composition comprisesmore than one active component, then those components may beadministered by the same or different routes,

The pharmaceutical formulations of the present invention can be liquidsthat are suitable for oral, mucosal and/or parenteral administration,for example, drops, syrups, solutions, injectable solutions that areready for use or are prepared by the dilution of a freeze-dried productbut are preferably solid or semisolid as tablets, capsules, granules,powders, pellets, pessaries, suppositories, creams, salves, gels,ointments; or solutions, suspensions, emulsions, or other forms assuitable for administration by the transdermal route or by inhalation.

The compounds of the invention can be administered for immediate-,delayed-, modified-, sustained-, pulsed-or controlled-releaseapplications, In one aspect, oral compositions are slow, delayed orpositioned release (e.g., enteric especially colonic release) tablets orcapsules. This release profile can be achieved without limitation by useof a coating resistant to conditions within the stomach but releasingthe contents in the colon or other portion of the GI tract wherein alesion or inflammation site has been identified or a delayed release canbe achieved by a coating that is simply slow to disintegrate or the two(delayed and positioned release) profiles can be combined in a singleformulation by choice of one or more appropriate coatings and otherexcipients. Such formulations constitute a further feature of thepresent invention.

Pharmaceutical compositions can be prepared by mixing a therapeuticallyeffective amount of the active substance with a pharmaceuticallyacceptable carrier that can have different forms, depending on the wayof administration. Typically composition components include one or moreof binders, fillers, lubricants, odorants, dyes, sweeteners,surfactants, preservatives, stabilizers and antioxidants.

The pharmaceutical compositions of the invention may contain from 0.01to 99% weight-per volume of the active material. The therapeutic doseswill generally be between about 10 and 2000 mg/day and preferablybetween about 30 and 1500 mg/day. Other ranges may be used, including,for example, 50-500 mg/day, 50-300 mg/day, 100-200 mg/day.

Administration may be once a day, twice a day, or more often, and may bedecreased during a maintenance phase of the disease or disorder, e.g.once every second or third day instead of every day or twice a day. Thedose and the administration frequency will depend on the clinical signs,which confirm maintenance of the remission phase, with the reduction orabsence of at least one or more preferably more than one clinical signsof the acute phase known to the person skilled in the art.

It is within the scope of the invention for a compound as describedherein to be administered in combination with another pharmaceutical,e.g. another drug with known efficacy against the disease in question.The compounds of the invention may therefore be used in combinationtherapy.

The chemistry described in the following schemes is used to manufacturethe compounds described in the tables which follow. The startingmaterials in each scheme are readily available compounds. in general,molar equivalents of each reactant are employed.

The invention will now be further described with reference to thefollowing non limiting examples.

EXAMPLES

The following general fractions can be used to manufacture the compoundsof the invention:

Linear sequences starting from 4-hydroxybenzaldehydes may be developed.

Alternatively, it is possible to use a convergent approach where twohalves of equal sizes are joined in the last step. This is advantageousfor several reasons; one half is kept constant, whereas the other halfprovides several opportunities for easy introduction of variations.Furthermore, the total number of steps is kept low.

Scheme 4 is applicable for compounds such as example 3 below andcomprises mainly standard reactions. After introduction of a protectinggroup in the first step, Wittig coupling with an alkylphosphonium saltof suitable length provides compounds 4. By protecting the phenol asbenzyl ether, reduction of the double bond and deprotection can beobtained simultaneously, giving substituted octylphenols (5), If anotherprotecting group is selected, the double bond in 4 might be possible topreserve in the final product, providing another opportunity forvariation.

For the second fragment, we suggest a route starting with2,4-dibromothiazole (6, commercially available). For the first twotitillation. steps, there arc opportunities for rearrangements. The TMSderivative 7 we suggest is less prone to rearrangement.

The last step in Scheme 5 to fragment 9 is well established (Dondoni etal, J. Am. Chem. Soc. 116 (1994) 3324).

The two fragments 5 and 9 are finally joined by a standard Williamsonether preparation, Scheme 6.

The synthesis of thiazole derivatives 32a,b and 37a-c is presented inSchemes 6 and 7. Phenols 28a,b and 33a,b were treated with ethylbrornoacetate. Esters 29a,b were hydrolyzed and converted to theircorresponding Weinreb amides. Treatment of 31a,b with lithium thiazoleled to the target derivatives 32a,b. Oxothiazoles 37a-c were prepared byanother procedure. Alcohols 35a,b were oxidized to aldehydes and treatedwith lithium thiazole or benzothiazole. Compounds 36a-c were thenoxidized to the final compounds.

Substituted thiazoles 43a-c and 47 (Compound A) were synthesized asillustrated in Schemes 12 and 13. The key-step in this synthesis was theformation of the substituted heterocyclic ring. Alcohols 35b and 38 wereoxidized to aldehydes and directly treated with TBDMSCN. Compounds 39a,bwere converted into amides and subsequently into thioamides by reactionwith Lawesson's reagent. Treatment of 41a,b with ethyl4-chloroacetoacetate or ethyl bromopyruvate in the presence of conc.H₂SO₄ led. to heterocyclic derivatives 42a-c which were then oxidized tothe final compounds 43a-c. Following another method for the formation ofthe heterocyclic ring, condensation of cysteine methyl ester withnitrile 39a afforded a diastereomeric mixture of thiazoline 44, whichwas transformed into thiazole 45 using BrCCl₃ and DBU. Subsequentremoval of the silyl group and Dess-Martin oxidation led to theoxothiazole 47.

The following compounds can then be prepared:

Compound Structure 1

2

3

4

5

6

7

8

9

10

11

12

13

14

15

16

17

Example Protocols

Experimental Section

General method for the synthesis of acetates 2a-c. To a stirred solutionof phenols (1.0 mmol) in acetone (10 mL), K₂CO₂ (3 mmol, 415 mg) andethyl bromoacetate or ethyl 2-bromopropionate (1.1 mmol) were added, andthe reaction mixture was refluxed for 5 h. Subsequently, the mixture wasfiltrated over Celite, and the organic solvent was evaporated underreduced pressure. The residue was purified by column chromatography[EtOAc-petroleum ether (bp 40-60° C.), 1:9].

Ethyl 2-(4-(4-fluorophenoxy)phenoxy)acetate (2a). Yield 94%; White oil;¹H NMR (200 MHz, CDCl₃): δ7.15-6.78 (m, 8H), 4.61 (s, 2H), 4.29 (q,J=7.2 Hz, 2H), 1.31 (t, J=7.2 Hz, 3H).

Ethyl 2-(4-(hexylthlio)phenoxy)propanoate (2b). Yield 91%; White oil; ¹HNMR (200 MHz, CDCl₃): δ7.24 (d, J=9.0 Hz, 2H), 6.75 (d, J=9.0 Hz, 2H),4.66 (q, J=6.8 Hz, 1H), 4.15 (q, J=7.2 Hz, 2H), 2.75 (t, J=7.0 Hz, 2H),1.62-1.42 (m, 5H), 1.41-1.05 (m, 9H), 0.82 (t, J=7.0 Hz, 3H); ¹³C NMR(50 MHz, CDCl₃): δ171.7, 156.3, 132.1, 127.9, 115.4, 72.4, 61.0, 35.1,31.1, 29.0, 28.1, 22.3, 18.3, 13.9, 13.8.

Ethyl 2-(4-(heptyloxy)phenoxy)propanoate (2c). Yield 97%; White oil; ¹HNMR (200 MHz, CDCl₃): δ6.84-6.65 (m, 4H), 4.62 (q, J=6.8 Hz, 1H), 4.17(q, J=7.2 Hz, 2H), 3.85 (t, J=6.6 Hz, 2H), 1.80-1.61 (m, 2H), 1.55 (d,J=6.8 Hz, 3H), 1.46-1.06 (m, 11H), 0.87 (t, J=6.6 Hz, 3H); ¹³C NMR (50MHz, CDCl₃): δ172.3, 153.8, 151.4, 116.2, 115.1, 73.4, 68.2, 61.0, 31.6,29.2, 28.9, 25.9, 22.5, 18.4, 13.9.

General method for the synthesis of alcohols 3a-c. To a stirred solutionof esters 2a-c (1 mmol) in dry Et₂O (10 mL) was added DIBALH (2.5 mL,2.5 mmol., 1.0 M in hexane) at 0° C. under Ar atmosphere and thereaction mixture was stirred for 2 h at room temperature. Water was thenadded (5 mL), the mixture was stirred for 30 more minutes and filtratedover Celite. The organic solvent was evaporated under reduced pressureand the residue was purified by column chromatography [EtOAc-petroleumether (bp 40-60° C.), 3:7].

2-(4-(4-Fluorophenoxy)phenoxy)ethanol (3a). Yield 89%; White solid; ¹HNMR (200 MHz, CDCl₃): δ7.07-6.76 (m, 8H), 4.10-3.84 (m, 4H), 2.94 (br s,1H); ¹³C NMR (50 MHz, CDCl₃): δ160.6, 155.8, 154.6, 153.9, 150.8, 120.0,119,1, 116.2,115.5, 69.6, 61.1.

2-(4-(Hexylthio)phenoxy)propan-1-ol (3b). Yield 85%; White oil; ¹H NMR(200 MHz, CDCl₃): δ7.28 (d, J=8.8 Hz, 2H), 6.75 (d, J=8.8 Hz, 2H,),4.51-4.32 (m, 1H), 3.74-3.58 (m, 2H), 2.79 (t, J=7.0 Hz, 2H), 2.68 (s,1H), 1.66-1.46 (m, 2H), 1.45-1.12 (m, 9H), 0.85 (t, J=6.6 Hz, 3H); ¹³CNMR (50 MHz, CDCl₃): δ156.5, 132.5, 127.4, 116.4, 74.8, 65.9, 35.4,31.2, 29,1, 28.3, 22,4, 15.6, 13.9.

2-(4-(ileptyloxy)phenoxy)propan-1-ol (3c). Yield 92%; White solid; ¹HNMR (200 MHz, CDCl₃): δ6.94-6.74 (m, 4H), 4.43-4.24 (m, 1H), 3.90 (t,J=6.6 Hz, 2H), 3.75-3.60 (m, 2H), 2.77 (br s, 1H), 1.87-1.65 (m, 2H),1.57-1.25 (m, 8H), 1.22 (d, J=6.2 Hz, 3H), 0.91 (t, J=6.6 Hz, 3H); ¹³CNMR (50 MHz, CDCl₃): δ153.7, 151.3, 117.6, 115.2, 75.9, 68.4, 66.0,31.7, 29.2, 29.0, 25.9, 22.5, 15.7, 14.0.

General method for the synthesis of nitriles 4a-c. To a solution ofalcohols 3a-c (1.0 mmol) in a mixture of toluene (3 mL) and EtOAc (3mL), a solution of NaBr (0.11 g, 1.1 mmol) in water (0.5 !AIL) was addedfollowed by 2,2,6,6-tetramethylpiperidine-1-yloxy free radical (TEMPO)(2.2 mg, 0.01 mmol). To the resulting biphasic system, which was cooledat 0° C., an aqueous solution of 0.35 M NaOCl (3.1 mL, 1.1 mmol)containing NaHCO₃ (0.25 g, 3 mmol) was added dropwise under vigorousstirring, at 0° C. over a period of 1 h. After the mixture had beenstirred for a further 15 min at 0° C., EtOAc (10 mL) and H₂O (10 mL)were added. The aqueous layer was separated and washed with EtOAc (2×10mL). The combined organic layers were washed consecutively with 5%aqueous citric acid (10 mL) containing KI (0.04 g), 10% aqueous Na₂S₂O₃(10 mL), and brine and dried over Na₂SO₁. The solvents were evaporatedunder reduced pressure and the residue was used without any furtherpurification.

To a mixture of TBDMSCN (1.0 mmol, 141 mg), potassium cyanide (0.2 mmol,13 mg), and 18-crown-6 (0.4 mmol, 106 mg) was added dropwise a solutionof the aldehyde derived from alcohol 3a-c, according to the NaBr/TEMPOprotocol mentioned above, (1.0 mmol) in CH₂Cl₂ at room temperature undernitrogen over 30 min. After addition was complete, the mixture wasstirred overnight at room temperature. The organic solvent wasevaporated under reduced pressure and the residue was purified by columnchromatography [EtOAc-petroleum ether (bp 40-60° C.), 0.5:9.5].

2-((tert-Butyldimethylsilyl)oxy)-3-(4-(4-fluorophenoxy)phenoxy)propanenitrile(4a). Yield 82%; White oil; ¹H NMR (200 MHz, CDCl₃): δ7.07-6.82 (m, 81),4.80 (t, J=6.4 Hz, 1H), 4.26-4.06 (m, 2H), 0.94 (s, 9H), 0.24 (s, 3H),0.20 (s, 3H).

2-((tert-Butyldimethylsilypoxy)-3-(4-(hexylthio)phenoxy)butanenitrile(mixture of diastereomers) (4h), Yield 34%; White oil; ¹H NMR (200 MHz,CDCl₃): δ7.30 (d, J=8.2 Hz, 2H), 6.85 (d, J=8.2 Hz, 2H), 5.37-5.28 (m,1H), 4.57-4.48 (m, 2.83 (t, J=7.0 Hz, 2H), 1.71-1.18 (m, 11H), 1.00-0.82(m, 12H), 0.30-0.06 (m, 6H); ¹³C NMR (50 MHz, CDCl₃): δ156.9, 132.4,132.3, 128.6, 118.4, 116.7, 116.5, 75.5, 74.7, 65.5, 65.2, 35.4, 35.3,31.3, 29.2, 28.4, 25.4, 22.5, 15.4, 15.1, 14.0, −5.3, −5.4.

2-((tert-butyldimethylsilypoxy)-3-(4-(heptyloxy)phenoxy)butanenitrile(mixture of diastereomers) (4c). Yield 78%; White oil; ¹H NMR (200 MHz,CDCl₃): δ6.95-6.76 (m, 4H), 4.66-4.47 (m, 1H), 4.46-4.25 (m, 1H), 3.92(t, J=6.6 Hz, 2H), 1.88-1.64 (m, 2H), 1.56-1.17 (m, 11H), 1.00-0.82 (m,12H), 0.27-0.09 (m, 6H); ¹³C NMR (50 MHz, CDCl₃): δ154.2, 150.8, 117.8,117.7, 115.3, 76.6, 75.7, 68.4, 65.3, 65.1, 31.7, 29.3, 29.0, 25.9,25.4, 22.5, 15.5, 15.1, 14.0, −5.3, δ5.4.

General method for the synthesis of thiazolines 5a-c. To a stirredsolution of the nitriles 4a-c (1.0 mmol) and CH₃COO⁻NH₄ ⁻ ⁽3.6 mmol, 277mg) in MeOH (4 mL), HCl.H-L-Cys-OMe (3.0 mmol, 515 mg) was added, andthe mixture was stirred overnight at room temperature. The organicsolvent was evaporated under reduced pressure and the residue waspurified by column chromatography [EtOAc-petroleum ether (bp 40-60° C.),1:9].

Methyl2-(1-((tert-butyldimethylsilyl)oxy)-2-(4-(4-fluorophenoxy)phenoxy)ethyl)-4,5-dihydrothiazole-4-carboxylate(mixture of diastereomers) (5a). Yield 35%; White oil; ¹H NMR (200 MHz,CDCl₃): δ7.39-6.42 (m, 8H), 5.34-4.74 (m, 2H), 4.42-3.21 (m, 7H),1.56-0.50 (m, 9H), 0.35-(−0.08) (m, 6H).

Methyl2-(1-((tert-butyldimethylsilyl)oxy)-2-(4-(hexylthio)phenoxy)propyl)-4,5-dihydrothiazole-4-carboxylate(mixture of diastereomers) (5b). Yield 19%; White oil; ¹H NMR (200 MHz,CDCl₃): δ7.40-7.17 (m, 2H), 6.96-6.68 (m, 2H), 5.28-5.03 (m, 1H),4.90-4.77 (m, 1H), 4.76-4.56 (m, 1H), 3.79 (s, 3H), 3.58-3.28 (m, 2H),2.79 (t, J=7.0 Hz, 2H), 1.70-1.11 (m, 11H), 1.01-0.78 (m, 12H),0.19-0.01 (m, 6H); ¹³C NMR (50 MHz, CDCl₃): δ179.8, 171.2, 156.4, 133.1,132.7, 116.1, 78.3, 78.0, 76.4. 74.8, 74.6, 52.7, 35.9, 35.6, 33.8,33.6, 31.3, 29.2, 28.4, 25.8, 25.7, 22.5, 18.2, 14.0, 13.9, −4.7, −5.3.

Methyl2-(1-((tert-butyldimethylsilypoxy)-2-(4-(heptyloxy)phenoxy)propyl)-4,5-dihydrothiazole-4-carboxylate(mixture of diastereomers) (5c). Yield 26%; Pale yellow oil; ¹H NMR (200MHz, CDCl₃): δ6.92-6,73 (m, 4H), 5.25-5.05 (m, 1H), 4.89-4.76 (m, 1H),4.69-4.49 (m, 1H), 3.89 (t, J=6.6 Hz, 2H), 3.83-3.75 (m, 3H), 3.55-3.30(m, 2H), 1.86-1.63 (m, 2H), 1.50-1.10 (m, 11H), 1.06-0.75 (m, 12H),0.17-0.01 (m, 6H).

General method for the synthesis of thiazoles 6a-c. To a solution of thethiazolines 5a-d (1 mmol) in CH₂Cl₂ (20 mL), BrCCl₃ (6.0 mmol, 0.59 mL)and DBU (6.0 mmol, 0.90 mL) were added at 0° C. The reaction was stirredfor 2 h at 0° C. and overnight at room temperature. The organic solventwas evaporated under reduced pressure and the residue was purified bycolumn chromatography [EtOAc-petroleum ether (bp 40-60° C.), 1:9].

Methyl2-(1-((tert-butyldimethylsilyl)oxy)-2-(4-(4-fluorophenoxy)phenoxy)ethyl)thiazole-4-carboxylate(6a). Yield 86%; White oil; ¹H NMR (200 MHz, CDCl₃): δ8.17 (s, 1H),7.12-6.67 (m, 8H), 5.52-5.36 (m, 1H), 4.49-4.33 (m, 1H), 4.11-3.84 (m,4H), 0.94 (s, 9H), 0.16 (s, 3H), 0.13 (s, 3H).

Methyl2-(1-(tert-butyldimethylsilyloxy)-2-(4-(hexylthio)phenoxy)propyl)thiazole-4-carboxylate(mixture of diastereomers) (6b). Yield 92%; White oil; ¹H NMR (200 MHz,CDCl₃): δ8.15 (s, 1H), 7.39-7.23 (m, 2H), 6.97-6.82 (m, 2H), 5.44-5.30(m, 1H), 4.98-4.74 (m, 1H), 3.95 (s, 3H), 2.81 (t, J=7.0 Hz, 2H),1.69-1.09 (m, 11H), 1.05-0.77 (m, 12H), 0.22(−0.02) (m, 6H); ¹³C NMR (50MHz, CDCl₃): δ176.7, 161.2, 156.4, 146.9, 133.1, 132.8, 127.8, 116.2,76.7, 74.7, 52.4, 35.6, 31.3, 29.2, 28.4, 25.8, 25.7, 25.5, 25.4, 22.5,18.2, 14.0, 12.7, −4.5, −5.3.

Methyl2-(1-((tert-butyldimethylsilyl)oxy)-2-(4-(heptyloxy)phenoxy)propyl)thiazole-4-carboxylate(mixture of diastereomers) (6c). Yield 65%; White oil; ¹H NMR (200 MHz,CDCl₃): δ8.14 (s, 1H), 7.05-6.61 (m, 4H), 5.47-5.17 (m, 1H), 4.85-4.59(m, 1H), 4.31-3.68 (m, 5H), 1.88-0.65 (m, 25H), 0.39(−0.15) (m, 6H).

General method for the synthesis of 7a-c. Compounds 6a-c (1.0 mmol) weretreated with a solution of 2N HCl in MeOH (10 mL). After TLC indicatedcomplete disappearance of the starting material, the organic solvent wasevaporated under reduced pressure and the residue was recrystallizedfrom ether/petroleum ether (bp 40-60° C.).

Methyl2-(2-(4-(4-fluorophenoxy)phenoxy)-1-hydroxyethyl)thiazole-4-carboxylate(7a). Yield 95%; White solid; ¹H NMR (200 MHz, CDCl₃): δ8.19 (s, 1H),7.09-6.78 (m, 8H), 5.51-5.37 (m, 1H), 4.54-4.40 (m, 1H), 4.29-4.17 (m,1H) 3.93 (s, 3H); ¹³C NMR (50 MHz, CDCl₃): δ172.3, 161.7, 154.0, 151.4,146.0, 136.2, 128.2,120.0, 119.4, 119.2, 116.3, 115.9, 71.9, 70.7, 52.5.

Methyl2-(2-(4-(hexylthio)phenoxy)-1-hydroxypropyl)thiazole-4-carboxylate(mixture of diastereomers) (7b). Yield 87%; White oil; ¹H NMR (200 MHz,CDCl₃): δ8.19 (s, 1H), 7.32 (d, J=8.8 Hz, 2H), 6.91 (d, J=8.8 Hz, 2H),5.32 (d, J=4.0 Hz, 1H), 4.95-4.80 (m, 1H), 3.95 (s, 3H), 2.83 (t, J=7.2Hz, 2H), 1.69-1.50 (m, 2H), 1.49-1.12 (m, 9H), 0.88 (t, J=6.6 Hz, 3H).

General method for the synthesis of thiazolyl ketones 8a-c, To asolution of compounds 7a-e, (1 mmol) in dry CH₂Cl₂ (10 mL), Dess-Martinperiodinane was added (1.5 mmol, 637 mg) and the mixture was stirred for1 h at room temperature. The organic solvent was evaporated under reducepressure and Et₂O (30 mL) was added. The organic phase was washed withsaturated aqueous NaHCO₃ (20 mL) containing Na₂S₂O₃ (1.5 g, 9.5 mmol),H₂O (20 mL), dried over Na₂SO₄, and the organic solvent was evaporatedunder reduced pressure. The residue was purified by columnchromatography using petroleum ether (bp 40-60° C.)/EtOAc as eluent.

Methyl 2-(2-(4-(4-fluorophenoxy)phenoxy)acetyl)thiazole-4-carboxylate(8a, GK440). Yield 85%; White solid; ¹H NMR (600 MHz, CDCl₃): δ8.52 (s,1H), 7.03-6.90 (m, 8H), 5.59 (s, 2H), 4.01 (s, 3H); ¹³C NMR (150 MHz,CDCl₃): δ187.5, 164.4, 161.0, 159.3, 157.7, 153.8, 151.8, 148.7, 133.6,120.0, 119.5, 116.3, 116.1, 70.9, 52.8; HRMS (ESI) calcd forC₁₉H₁₄FNNaO₅S [M+Na]⁺: 410.0469. Found: 410.0477.

Methyl 2-(2-(4-(hexylthio)phenoxy)propanoyl)thiazole-4-carboxylate (8b,GK449). Yield 89%; Yellow solid; ¹H NMR (600 MHz, CDCl₃): δ8.44 (s, 1H),7.19 (d, J=9.0 Hz, 2H), 6.77 (d, J=9.0 Hz, 2H), 5.97 (q, J=7.2 Hz, 1H),3.93 (s, 3H), 2.72 (t, J=7.2 Hz, 2H), 1.68 (d, J=7.2 Hz, 3H), 1.52-1.45(m, 2H), 1.34-1.26 (m, 2H), 1.24-1.14 (m, 4H), 0.80 (t, J=6.6 Hz, 3H);¹³C NMR (150 MHz, CDCl₃): δ191.4, 164.7, 161.1, 156.2, 148.8, 133.9,132.4, 128.5, 116.1, 75.0, 52.7, 35.4, 31.3, 29.3, 28.4, 22.5, 18.6,14.0; HRMS (EST) calcd for C₂₀H₂₆NO₄S₂ [M+H]⁺: 408.1298. Found:408.1291.

Methyl 2-(2-(4-(heptyloxy)phenoxy)propanoyl)thilazole-4-carboxylate (8c,GK439). Yield 87%; Pale yellow solid; ¹H NMR (600 MHz, CDCl₃); δ8.50 (s,1H), 6.88 (d, J=9.0 Hz, 2H), 6.78 (d, J=9.0 Hz, 2H), 5.96 (q, J=6.6 Hz,1H), 4.01 (s, 3H), 3.87 (t, J=6.6 Hz, 2H), 1.77-1.70 (m, 5H), 1.64-1.53(m, 2H), 1.46-1.39 (m, 2H), 1.37-1.24 (m, 4H), 0.89 (t, J=6.6 Hz, 3H);¹³C NMR (150 MHz, CDCl₃): δ191.9, 164.9, 161.1, 154.1, 151.2, 148.7,133.7, 117.0, 115.4, 76.0, 68.5, 52.7, 31.8, 29.3, 29.0, 26.0, 22.6,18.6, 14.1; HRMS (ESI) calcd for C₂₁H₂₇NNaO₅S [M+Na] 428.1502. Found:428.1514.

Other Embodiments

From the foregoing description, it will be apparent that variations andmodifications may be made to the invention described herein to adopt itto various usages and conditions. Such embodiments are also within thescope of the following claims.

The recitation of a listing of elements in any definition of a variableherein includes definitions of that variable as any single element orcombination (or subcombination) of listed elements. The recitation of anembodiment herein includes that embodiment as any single embodiment orin combination with any other embodiments or portions thereof.

All patents and publications mentioned in this specification are hereinincorporated by reference to the same extent as if each independentpatent and publication was specifically and individually indicated to beincorporated by reference.

1-12. (canceled)
 13. A compound of the formula below:

or a salt thereof.
 14. A pharmaceutical composition comprising acompound as claimed in claim
 13. 15. A method of treating a chronicinflammatory condition or hyperproliferative disorder in a patientcomprising administering to the patient in need thereof an effectiveamount of a compound as claimed in claim 13.